Minnesota's Labor Commissioner Taking Private-Sector Job
Minnesota's Labor and Industry commissioner, Scott Brener, will leave his post effective July 5 to take a private-sector job, Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced. He will join a Minnesota-based insurance group, SFM Companies, as vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary.
"Scott has done an outstanding job ensuring that Minnesota's work and living environments are safe and productive," Pawlenty said. "He has been a great public servant for Minnesota, and we wish him well." Brener has served in state government positions since May 2003, including stints as assistant commissioner for the Department of Trade and Economic Development, deputy director of Cabinet affairs, deputy commissioner of the Office of Technology, and assistant commissioner and general counsel for the Department of Labor and Industry.
The department oversees the state's workers' compensation system, OSHA consultation and compliance, certifying and monitoring the state-registered apprenticeship program, regulating the state's construction codes and licensing activities, and inspecting boats-for-hire. The department has about 500 workers statewide. Brener also was president of the National Association of Government Labor Officials during his tenure as commissioner.